The Prothonotary is the clerk of the court of common pleas, and keeps records of all civil procedures before the courts, signs all writs and processes (such as suits) and files copies of all records and processes. The duties and responsibilities of the prothonotary and other court related offices are set forth throughout the County Code and other state laws. The prothonotary takes bail in civil actions, enters judgements at the instance of plaintiffs, and, upon the confession of defendants, signs all judgments and takes the ackowledgment of satisfaction of judgements or decrees entered on the records of the court. The prothonotary can also administer oaths and affirmations, and is required by state law to maintain the judgement docket. The prothonotary is the Commonwealth's agent for the collection of the tax on original writs and other records received and is responsible for records including the minute book for the court of common pleas, trial and argument list, and similar records.

An important duty of the office is receiving petitions in connection with roads and rights of way, recording the action of members of boards of view, and eminent domain proceedings.

A service which requires considerable time is the processing of naturalization papers. The office obtains information and makes records and arrangements for naturalization court. Applications for passports can also be obtained at the office of the prothonotary. Recording divorce proceedings is also a duty of the office of the prothonotary.

The office of the Clerk of Courts is reputed to be one of the oldest in the state. This officer is the chief clerk and recordkeeper for the criminal courts. The clerk keeps all papers filed under criminal and civil procedures of the courts and is responsible for maintaining the minute book and the records of all similar procedures of the courts.